10 Characteristics of the Best (and Worst) Trainers and Nutrition Coaches

Typically, I work out in my own home gym. However, sometimes, I venture out and train at a great warehouse gym near my house.

Either way, I love my gym options. Yet because of where I train, and when, I sometimes forget what it’s like for exercisers at most gyms. In particular, I forget how bad some of the personal trainers and nutrition coaches out there can be.

Coaches: Some Good, Some Bad

Now, please don’t get me wrong. I’ve met tons of great trainers over the years. In fact, many of them are members of PTontheNet.

However, I’ve also met some that aren’t qualified to shovel the sidewalk in front of the gym, let alone charge $50-$100 an hour to “help” people get in shape. Unfortunately, as in many areas of life, the bad seem to outnumber the good. And it’s the people who need help that ultimately pay the price.

So, today, I’d like to share with you my top 10 strategies for telling the difference between a great trainer and one that shouldn’t even be washing gym towels. Note: the bad nutrition coaches aren’t safe either. Most of these same differences apply.

#1: The Worst Trainers Don’t Do Any Assessments

The best trainers perform thorough and complete assessments when working with a new client, before doing anything else.

On the training front, that means doing movement screening and even basic performance tests. And on the nutrition front, that means looking at the client’s current intake and assessing a host of lifestyle variables, including: schedule, primary complaints/discomforts, current level of social support, willingness to change, and more.

But is that how most trainers and nutritionists do things? Heck no. Most trainers perform no assessments whatsoever! And if any are performed at all, they’re usually done in the “free consultation” that comes with the gym membership in order to embarrass a client into purchasing personal training.

That’s a huge mistake. Good assessments are the only way to gain real knowledge of a client and make the critical coaching decisions — without which you have about a snowball’s chance in hell at seeing real results.

I tell my clients this: if you’re not put through a thorough battery of assessments in your first session, run.

#2: The Worst Trainers Can’t Demonstrate Previous Successes

Personal training and nutritional consultation isn’t cheap. In fact, meeting with a trainer 4x per week for 6 months can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 dollars.

So, what is a client getting for their 5-10 grand? Well, if a trainer or nutritionist can’t demonstrate his or her previous successes, they have no idea. None at all.

The best trainers and nutritionists keep detailed statistics of their clients. They track client adherence. They log how their clients’ bodies are changing and over what time period. They record performance and lifestyle changes. They keep photo albums with before and after photos. And they can point to compelling testimonials from previous clients about their services.

They can probably even introduce new clients to a dozens of other successful clients, so they can talk to them directly about the experience.

The worst trainers and nutritionists have nothing. No photos. No testimonials. No data. Nothing.

I tell my clients: if your trainer can’t show you compelling evidence that they’ve helped people like you get the results you want, assume that it’s because they’ve never actually done it before.

#3: The Worst Trainers Don’t Have Multiple Certifications

Most personal trainers in the world today have nothing more than a high school diploma and a personal training certificate they got at a weekend personal training seminar. And most nutrition coaches have little to no training specific to exercise nutrition.

(Registered dietitians do need to possess an undergraduate degree. But this degree specializes in clinical nutrition — i.e., what to serve hospital patients — NOT exercise nutrition. Big difference.)

So if a client has exercise and performance related goals, should they be throwing their money away on these types of coaches? I wouldn’t.

If it were me, I’d look for someone with multiple certifications. Someone who has clearly made it a priority to seek life-long education. Someone who’s gone out and sought a diverse knowledge profile, learning about training methodologies, body composition, nutrition, supplementation, and more.

The best trainers go out and do this. They’re life-long learners. They spend 5-10 hours per week reading top-shelf training and nutrition information from the best in the field.

The worst trainers, they stick with their weekend certification. And they end up not even knowing how much they don’t know.

#4: The Worst Trainers Aren’t Healthy or Fit

Just like realtors who’ve never owned a home and financial planners who are broke, out-of-shape trainers and nutritionists piss me off.

Now, let me clarify. You don’t have to look like a fitness model to be fit and healthy. So that’s not the standard here.

However, if a trainer doesn’t have more muscle, less fat, and a better health profile than the average person, why would I listen to any advice on building muscle, losing fat, and getting healthier from them?

So I tell my clients this: if a trainer or nutritionist isn’t healthy and fit — and doesn’t practice the behaviors necessary to remain that way — they can’t be your coach.

#5: The Worst Trainers Don’t Know the Difference Between an Outcome and a Behavior

“I need to lose 10 lbs,” that’s an outcome goal.

“I need to exercise 5 times per week,” that’s a behavior goal.

Trainers and nutritionists who don’t know the difference between the two should be fired immediately. You see, focusing on outcomes, that’s the job of the trainer/nutritionist. Their program needs to be built in such a way that the outcome is an inevitable consequence.

However, focusing on behaviors, that’s the client’s job. Therefore any trainer worth a damn knows that to achieve success, their clients must be rewarded for successful behaviors, not for specific outcomes.

Followed this week’s habits 90% of the time and didn’t miss any workouts? That’s worthy of a reward — regardless of the outcome — because it’s this pattern of behavior that’ll eventually lead to success.

In addition, the best trainers have ways to monitor behaviors and track client adherence/accountability.

The worst trainers, on the other hand, they make progress seem like voodoo, separating the outcome (weight loss, etc.) from the behaviors necessary for the accomplishment of that outcome (X exercise sessions per week, eating X servings of vegetables per day, etc.).

I tell my clients: your trainer should give you simple behaviors to practice, track whether you’ve done so, and reward you when you have. That’s their job.

So are they doing it? Or are they just asking you to step on the scale? (Or worse yet, neither?)

#6: The Worst Trainers Don’t Have a 3-Month Plan From The Start

Before day 1, session 1, after all the assessments are complete, the best trainers and nutritionists will already have, in hand, at least a 3-month plan based on their client’s level, needs and goals.

When I walk around commercial gyms, it seems like a cruel joke (and the joke is on their clients) that most trainers are making up workouts as they go along.

There’s no plan. There’s no “big picture.” They’re making stuff up as they go. What a waste of everyone’s time and the client’s money. I mean, seriously, where else in life do we find noteworthy success coming as a result of no planning, no forethought, and such obvious lack of care?

I tell my clients: if your trainer or nutritionist can’t show you their 3-month outline on day 1, session 1, after all the assessments are complete, get away. Fast.

#7: The Worst Trainers Don’t Carry a Clipboard or Notebook

Clients want to achieve something measurable. So what happens when a trainer or nutritionist measures nothing at all?

The best trainers and nutritionists measure everything. They monitor and record performance variables like sets, reps, and rest intervals. They monitor nutrition habit and behavior compliance. They monitor workout attendance. They monitor body composition. They take pictures. Need I go on?

The point here is that you miss what you don’t measure and record. Also, without metrics, no one knows if progress is actually being made.

So isn’t it time we got rid of all these trainers who don’t measure or record anything in favor of those trainers who do?

#8: The Worst Trainers Don’t Know How to Help All Types of Clients

There are basically three types of coaches. First, there are the coaches who are simply terrible, who can’t get great results with any of their clients. Of course, there are plenty of these out there. But if a client has their head up, these are easy to spot.

Next, there are the coaches who are great, who can get great results with all of their clients no matter who they are or where they’re coming from. Of course, these are few and far between. And if a client finds one, they’ve lucked out.

And finally, there are the in-between coaches, those who seem to get great results with some clients but can only help a small percentage of those that actually come to see them.

The goal of every trainer and nutritionist should be to learn the techniques and strategies necessary to help EVERY type of client that comes to see them. That’s the hallmark of the great ones.

#9: The Worst Trainers Don’t Integrate Training and Nutrition

Time and time again, the research has demonstrated that without a dietary intervention, even performing 5-6 hours of well-designed exercise programming each week leads to surprisingly little body composition change.

So you can bet that the best trainers offer an integrated nutrition solution as part of their programming. They schedule private nutrition sessions. They assess a client’s nutritional intake and compliance regularly. They show clients around the grocery store. And more.

The worst trainers? They either leave their clients to figure it out on their own. Or they offer useless nutritional sound bytes in between workout sets.

#10: The Worst Trainers Don’t Care

Let’s be honest here. If a trainer or nutritionist doesn’t do most of the activities I’ve listed above, regardless of whether or not they say they care, they simply don’t.

They don’t care about being good at their job. They don’t care about helping clients achieve their goals. They just don’t care.

And that’s the worst part of this all, isn’t it? People are throwing thousands of dollars a month at people who just don’t give a damn. It’s a shame. But it’s not necessary. I know a lot of trainers who do give a damn. If you’re reading this, you’re probably one of them.

So isn’t it time we held our peers to a higher standard? We demanded that they adopt the best practices of personal training? It’s only when we raise our expectations that the industry will improve.

About the author: John Berardi

Dr. John Berardi has been recognized as one of the top exercise nutrition experts in the world. His work has been published in numerous textbooks, peer-reviewed academic journals, and in countless popular exercise and nutrition books and magazines.

Through his company, Precision Nutrition, Dr. Berardi has worked with over 60,000 clients in over 100 countries. These clients range from recreational exercisers all the way up to the athletic elite, including: The Cleveland Browns, The Toronto Maple Leafs, The Texas Longhorns, Canada’s Olympic Ski Teams, Canada’s Olympic Bobsleigh and Skeleton Racers, World Champion UFC Fighters, Canada’s Olympic Speed Skaters, and more.

Comments (26)

Windom, Christina |
27 Aug 2018, 00:33 AM

Barbaro, Vincenzo |
31 Aug 2012, 16:32 PM

Fantastic article! Sometimes, watching other trainers on the gym floor makes me wonder why I even went to college for this. Seeing people being robbed of their money makes my career look like a con. But to see that there are trainers out there who put in the effort brings me joy.

Clarke, Lauren |
11 Jun 2012, 14:09 PM

Wow! Great article John. A real eye-opener. I'd like to think I'm a good trainer but after reading this article, there are some major improvements and changes I need to make if I really want to succeed as a GREAT trainer.

Levinskaite, Laura |
09 Mar 2012, 15:03 PM

Berardi, John |
24 Jan 2011, 16:24 PM

To Robert - I actually have a lot of suggestions here. However, I'd have you first start by checking out this free 5-day course for fitness pros below. It'll provide you with way more than I can in this little text box here. http://www.precisionnutrition.com/course-for-fitness-professionals

Knapp, Robert |
22 Jan 2011, 23:44 PM

This is more of a question than a comment - I have years of experience with group exercise, hold 2 PT certifications, little PT experience. I have difficulty obtaining clients due to inexperience. How does one begin to obtain clients and establish a history. I truly want to make a difference and am willing to work for almost nothing to develop a track record. However, by working for practically nothing, and no track record, folks are reluctant to sign with me. Inotherwords, between a rock and hard place looking for suggestions. Anyone have any?

Berardi, John |
04 Nov 2010, 01:44 AM

To Antonio: being a fitness pro is no joke - it takes exercise phys competency, nutrition competency, and behavior change competency. My general suggestions for the "personal trainer" blueprint are as follows: 1) the first step is the personal training credential. I'd recommend getting credentialed through the NSCA or the ACSM as they're the most recognized. 2) Once you have that, you should probably get credentialed in a movement screening type certification - like FMS or Z-Health. 3) Then, you'll want to do a nutrition certification, like the Precision Nutrition Certification. 4) Finally, you'll want to do a fitness business program, like Alwyn Cosgrove's mentorship. This is the final piece of the puzzle. You see, fitness pros are, in every sense, entrepreneurs. And if they fail to understand this, and prepare for it, they're doomed. Once you have all of those credentials, it's time to get out there and to put into practice what you learned in the books through trial and error. You will try. You will err. And if you're smart, learn from mistakes, and remain resilient, you have a shot of doing well.

Berardi, John |
04 Nov 2010, 01:39 AM

To Ivette: that's a great idea - but you don't need a course for that. Check out this article, called 7 Books for Becoming a Fitness Professional. Any one of them would be a big step in the right direction: http://www.ptonthenet.com/articles/top-7-books-for-becoming-a-better-personal-trainer-and-coach-3347

thomas, antonio |
02 Nov 2010, 23:45 PM

To be honest, i've been training for a few years now and am just getting to the point where i realize I have to do better. I'm studying for ACE certification now and have to admit its a bit overwhelming. I have clients currently and sometimes feel like it will be foprever before i know enough to feel competent I have a variety of clients. Clubs ive worked for tell me that i have what they cant teach which is people skills and personality. However, i know i have to be more than my clients best friend/therapist. Any suggestions?

Landino, Ivette |
23 Oct 2010, 19:59 PM

Berardi, John |
20 Oct 2010, 16:28 PM

To Ivette: I know what you're saying. But that's where change behavior strategies come into play. I've learned that I was a really good exercise coaching. But a TERRIBLE coach when it came to helping clients see the world (or even just training and nutrition) in a different way. In fact, many of my own coaching strategies actually deepened my clients' resistance to change. And, all along, I thought I was doing my best to help them - they just weren't ready to change. So I not only studied nutrition, I also studied change behavior. And, as I learned and grew as a coach, I realized that almost ALL clients can be helped in really powerful ways. The key, however, was to first change myself. (Just like Gandhi said).

Jacota, Zec |
20 Oct 2010, 07:56 AM

A valid point made, any Personal Trainer worth their weight would also have amassed a variety of transferable skills to deal with any clients that they undertake in achieving the best results.We are to be taken seriously as exercise physiologists so that our credibility stays intact and that we all continuwe to do a valuable job.

Radebe, Bongani |
13 Oct 2010, 09:46 AM

Thank you for the reminders John. I used to be one of those who didnt document client's workouts, and to my embarrassment, I would repeat some exercises with the same client the day after. I've also had a client coming back to me saying their back was sore & I could not remember which exercise we did which could have triggered the pain. That was the last straw, I now document everything & its so much easier than thumb-sucking on the gym floor. Thank you again for enlightening us.

Landino, Ivette |
03 Oct 2010, 19:59 PM

Very good article. Its good to see those points in writing and I could not agree more but in my personal experience it can be very difficult and sometimes impossible. I haven't personally been working in the industry for long. Although fitness has been my passion for a long time, I only became a PT l8 months ago. I do tend to go by the book (ie performing fitness and phsysical assessments on the first session and setting measurable goals before commencing a fitness programme, etc) and I have to admit it is the best way forward, specially when the goal is weight [fat] loss as this is so easy to measure. However, I have found that this does not apply to everyone. Some people just need to have somebody to motivate them or to help them do the exercise right. Others " just want to get fit" or "feel stronger" or "be able to go up the stairs without getting out of breath" or "to improve their posture". Its more about how they feel without the need of having figures on a piece of paper. A lot of them have no interest in any nutrition advise, refusing to believe that the magic lies in the kitchen and not in the gym particularly for weight loss. Also, for some the thought of going through periodical assessment to measure their progress (ie putting a HR monitor on) is a major palaver! no matter I encouraging I try to be. So, I have sadly resorted to become an ordinary [bad] trainer with those clients. I've forced myself to believe that at the end of the day, if they are happy with their training, I'm happy!

Mungall, Robin |
28 Sep 2010, 17:18 PM

Berardi, John |
22 Sep 2010, 16:28 PM

TO MARJORIE: I agree. There are certainly cases where clients should be referred out to a sports dietitian. Just like there are cases where clients should be referred out to a physiotherapist, etc. However, there are also many, many clients that can/should be helped with things like basic nutrition, movement screening and corrective exercise "in-house". So it's critical for trainers to expand their toolboxes to understand a) how to help those that need it but don't need to be referred out, b) how to know when it's time to refer out.

Berardi, John |
22 Sep 2010, 16:11 PM

TO PAUL: Oh, this topic will really get me started! Actually, I agree with you Paul. But I believe that it's the responsibility of the fitness professional to create an environment where compliance is almost automatic. This is a challenge for most fitness pros as they ever study change - specifically what actually causes successful change. In fact, the way most fitness pros encourage change is totally wrong and that's why you get the non-compliance and push-back from clients. But don't just take my word for it. For a great intro into this topic, check out the book Switch by Chip and Dan Heath. And for something much more applied to our field, again, check out the Precision Nutrition Certification.

Berardi, John |
22 Sep 2010, 16:10 PM

TO JIM: Maybe you're right. The fitness manager should be fired too! Just kidding ;-). Actually, everyone needs to absorb some responsibility here. The trainers can only control their actions and experiences. So the onus is on them to get better, regardless of the environment they're in. And I know many outstanding trainers who work for really bad fitness managers. So, they're the bright spots that show us one can thrive even in a bad environment. Of course, the fitness managers are also responsible here since it's them who help shape the path to success by helping implement the correct systems. So, you're right. Both parties are necessary for creating an awesome environment. Yet, both parties can act independently to create personal excellence.

Martin, Eric |
21 Sep 2010, 20:07 PM

Geiser, Marjorie |
18 Sep 2010, 15:23 PM

Great article, except I'd like to make one comment. An excellent professional knows when they should find the experts in supportive fields. And so in order to take a trainer from great to excellent would be to refer his/her clients to a professional who specializes in sports nutrition. Every trainer should find a sports dietitian in their area who they can collaborate with.

Smith, Derek |
17 Sep 2010, 20:50 PM

mathieson, william |
17 Sep 2010, 20:43 PM

John, Great article, and you're right, there are a lot of trainers out there that don't care about their clients or their reputation, and there are very few that do. Fantastic point you have made here. Thank you.

Demetrios, Jim |
17 Sep 2010, 19:00 PM

Firing a Personal Trainer for not performing what you describe may be a bit severe. It is the job of the Fitness Manager and Club to teach them the correct protocols. If we don't train them to do the right thing, perhaps we should fire ourselves.

Udes, Tracie |
17 Sep 2010, 16:05 PM

Mcken, Paul |
16 Sep 2010, 17:57 PM

I'm with you completely John. I'm at a club which is as bad as some of the things you've mentioned. Unfortunately the compliance (or lack of) from gym members as well as their shocking ignorance regarding the fundemental basics of health are just as big a problem as an incompetant trainer. Infact, it's probably worse. Over here in the UK stats show that we are becoming sicker and sicker and more obese by the year yet more and more people are going to gyms or health clubs deluding themselves into thinking they're becoming more "Healthy". The stats don't lie so clearly they can't be. A MASSIVE amount of work needs to be done on both sides to tackle the issues and raise the level of education. We live in hope John.Paul M.